The National Financial Reporting Authority (NFRA) inaugural International Conference on Transparent Financial Reporting and Audit Quality: Pillars of Corporate Governance on March 5-6, 2024 culminated successfully in New Delhi.

The conference served as a platform for policymakers, global experts, professionals, and industry leaders to engage in crucial discussions surrounding transparent financial reporting, audit quality, and effective corporate governance.

The aim of the conference was to address the contemporary challenges and opportunities within the dynamic financial landscape. Through insightful keynote addresses, interactive panel discussions, and engaging presentations, the conference fostered valuable knowledge sharing and facilitated the exchange of actionable strategies for strengthening transparency, accountability, and integrity in global financial reporting and auditing practices.

In conclusion to the conference on Day Two, Shri Rao Inderjit Singh, Minister of State (I/C) for Statistics & Programme Implementation, Planning and Union Minister of State for Corporate Affairs, delivered the valedictory address and reiterated the government's commitment to fostering transparency and accountability in financial reporting. Shri Singh acknowledged NFRA's crucial role in maintaining market integrity, ensuring investor protection, and driving excellence in financial reporting standards and assured the continued support of the government in facilitating these endeavours.

Dr. Manoj Govil, Secretary, Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA), Government of India, provided valuable insights on the government's commitment to promoting transparency and accountability in corporate practices.

In his keynote address, Hon'ble Justice Ashok Bhushan, Chairman, National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT), underscored the critical role of strong corporate governance mechanisms in ensuring fairness and integrity within the business environment.

Dr. Ajay Bhushan Prasad Pandey, Chairperson, NFRA, set the context for the 2-day conference by highlighting the importance of transparent financial reporting and quality auditing in upholding robust corporate governance standards.

Shri Uday Kotak, Founder, Kotak Mahindra Bank Ltd., elaborated on the pivotal role of corporate governance in driving economic growth and achieving ambitious national goals.

Former Chief Justice of India, Justice U.U. Lalit, emphasised the need for prioritising public interest protection and highlighted NFRA’s crucial role in ensuring accountability, transparency, and ethical conduct within the corporate sector. He further underlined the necessity for robust regulatory frameworks and efficient enforcement mechanisms to uphold stakeholder trust and confidence in the financial ecosystem.

The conference discussions focused on crucial themes vital for fostering transparency and accountability. Key takeaways included:

• Leveraging technological advancements to enhance audit effectiveness.
• Ensuring investor protection through robust regulatory frameworks.
• Staying current with recent reforms in auditing standards.
• Emphasising the critical roles of audit committees and independent directors in corporate governance.
• Continuously improving financial reporting practices.
• Promoting competition within the audit market.
• Integrating sustainability reporting into corporate practices.

The conference witnessed active participation from national and international delegates representing regulatory bodies, audit firms, academia, and the corporate sector. The exchange of ideas and insights underscored the collective commitment of stakeholders towards building a more transparent and accountable financial ecosystem.

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NB/VM/KMN